Sick of hearing about people getting fired, busted or locked up for smoking, possessing or distributing cannabis while serious, deadly drugs such as nicotine and alcohol get government sanction and tax supports, and treatment programs for addiction to these and illegal hard drugs have long waiting lists and paltry funding?

Hemp legalization forces will rally on Saturday, December 9th at Gainesville's Downtown Plaza, University Ave. and S.E. 1st Street. (Dec. 10 is the rain date.) Hempfest has drawn a larger crowd each year, this is the sixth annual event. Speakers this year include Michael Geison (Florida Legalization Organization), Kevin Aplin (Cannabis Action Network) Jack Herer, author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes, and Tom Miller, Candidate for City Commission. Additionally, there will be music from Tabasco Cat, Bruce Klein and the Earthlings, and Brood.

Hempfest promotes the use of hemp for food, fuel, fiber and medicine, and calls attention to economic reasons why hemp was banned in the U.S.--because its versatile, inexpensive fibers competed with the powerful timber industry. Legalizing hemp could once again make possible the use of this versatile, efficient plant.

Accused doobie-tosser Murli Watkins--who is charged with distributing hundreds of joints at last year's event--is expected to go to trial the following Monday, December 11, at the Alachua County Courthouse, 9 a.m. There will also be a motion presented in court to declare Florida's hemp laws unconstitutional on Thursday, December 7th, at 9 a.m., courtroom #3A.